Back of a Napkin Rebecca Baron & Bonny Yu

backofanapkin.org

The expansion of industrial fishing practices around the world has contributed to the devastation of marine environments; This has had the greatest implications on biodiversity and global warming. How can we mitigate the environmental impacts of industrial fishing? Have we already passed the point of no return?

Join us as we dive into these issues and explore breakthroughs within the scope of these problems. We will be speaking to Dr. Daniel Pauly, a French-born marine biologist, known for his work in studying human impacts on global fisheries and a professor at the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries at the University of British Columbia.

In this week’s episode, we will be discussing the impacts of certain fishing techniques on international markets and livelihoods, how gathering data on fish length has developed an encyclopedia of more than 30,000 fish species, and the effects of the pandemic compared to global warming.

Interested in learning more? To answer that question, grab a pen, take out a napkin, and join us on our podcast at backofanapkin.org to gain access to all the episodes. Check out Dr. Pauly’s work at oceans.ubc.ca/daniel-pauly. Let us know of any questions you would like to see answered next!

As isolation becomes more prolonged, work and play areas have become more restricted and our interdependency on technology to communicate is now essential. Being trapped at home or in any one place for a long time can be challenging. But, imagine what it would be like to be stuck in a confined capsule floating through space!

What happens when we travel to extreme environments like outer space or the polar regions? What effects do these ventures have on our physical and mental well-being?

In an attempt to answer these questions, individuals at NASA and the Canadian Space Agency, have been studying the effects of isolation on humans for decades and psychologists have been identifying some helpful coping mechanisms. In this episode, we will be speaking to Dr. Peter Suedfeld about his research on adaptation strategies in order to cope with challenges, stressors, and dangers.

Interested in learning more? To answer that question, grab a pen, take out a napkin, and join us on our podcast at backofanapkin.org! Check out Dr. Suedfeld's work at psych.ubc.ca/~psuedfeld.

Looking beyond the current extractive industrial model, a circular economy aims to redefine growth, focusing on positive societal benefits. Reinforced by a transition to renewable energy sources, the circular model builds economic, natural, and social capital.

This got the two of us wondering: how exactly is the circular economy model being implemented in different companies and why haven't they all switched to this system yet? Join us as we dive into the issues and breakthroughs that contribute to why every company isn't equipped for this economic model. We will be speaking to Nikki Mertens, Operations and Sustainability Lead at ChopValue and Marc Wandler, co-founder and CEO at Susgrainable.

In this week's episode, we'll also be examining ways to remodel the food and drink industry, the impact of the pandemic on companies' sustainability goals, and how companies leverage technology to redirect their current processes.

Interested in learning more? To answer that question, grab a pen, take out a napkin, and join us on our podcast! Check out the companies at their websites chopvalue.com and use the code BOAN20 for 20 percent off your online order of bakery items at susgrainable.com.

Some of the most effective innovations are created in response to specific and urgent problems. In many ways, the coronavirus has proven to be one such challenge. That said, entrepreneurs have helped continue to push society forward by developing innovative solutions during these unprecedented times. This got the two of us thinking: What will the future of entrepreneurship look like?

Nika Moeini, a mindset and marketing coach, will provide her insights on how to leverage social media platforms, foster a positive mindset, and adapt to a post-pandemic era.

Interested in learning more? To answer that question, grab a pen, take out a napkin, and join us on our podcast!

Connect with Nika Moeini on LinkedIn here: linkedin.com/in/moeini/

We have all been in a foreign country before, phone in-hand, attempting to use google translate to communicate with a waiter or taxi driver. This got the two of us thinking: Why don't all humans speak the same language? Why are distinct languages still a thing?

Join us as we dive into the cultural, social, and geopolitical factors that contribute to why humans aren't well-equipped for a universal language. We will be speaking with Dr. Christine Schreyer, an associate professor of anthropology at UBC Okanagan. Her work in several Hollywood films contributed to the development of multiple fictitious languages: Kryptonian from Man of Steel (2013), Eltarian from Power Rangers (2017), and Beama from Alpha (2018).

In this week's episode, we'll also be examining the language Esperanto, the future of language learning, and how identity is associated with language.

Interested in learning more? To answer that question, grab a pen, take out a napkin, and join us on our podcast!

Check out Dr. Christine Schreyer's research here: christineschreyer.ca